Keep the light clear in your references
Choose a photo where each face is sharp and evenly lit. Heavy shadows, sunglasses and distant faces leave less useful detail for the new portrait. A clear indoor picture can work better than a dark beach snapshot.
Separate faces from sky, sand and water
Use clear references without sunglasses or wind covering the eyes. In the new scene, check that pale clothing does not disappear into sand, the horizon does not cut awkwardly across faces, and hands remain separate from neighboring arms. Clothing and hair may change.
Check the crop before you print
A portrait that looks good on your phone may lose part of a face or shoulder in a wider frame. Download the original, check its pixel dimensions, and preview the crop for your intended card or print size.